Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Xylopia aethiopica Fruit on Cadmium-induced Inflammatory Changes and Dyslipidemic Rats

The extensive utilization of cadmium (Cd) in industry is a major cause of environmental health menace to humans and animals. This study was to investigate the protective effects of Xylopia aethiopica fruit ethanol extract (XAFEE) on cadmium-induced inflammation and dyslipidemia in male albino rats. Thirty albino rats weighing 120–180 g were randomly selected into six groups (n = 5). A: control rats (administered distilled water only), B: Cd alone group (10 mg/ kg bw), C: Cd + 150 mg/kgbw XAFEE, D: Cd + 300 mg/kgbw XAFEE, E: 150 mg/kgbw XAFEE and F: 300 mg /kgbw XAFEE group. After 2-week acclimatization and 21 days of the experiment, blood sample was collected via cardiac puncture. Changes in tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), phospholipids and free fatty acids (FFAs) concentrations in serum were determined. The results of the present study indicated that Cd exposure remarkably increased (p < 0.05) the TC, TAG, phospholipids, FFAs and TNF-α concentrations, and significantly decreased IL-10 concentration (p < 0.05) compared with control. These findings suggest that inflammatory changes and alterations in lipid metabolism might be one of the mechanisms underlying the subtle effects of Cd-induced inflammation and dyslipidemia. XAFEE expressed protective role against the toxic influence of Cd on affected parameters. The results raised the possibility of Xylopia aethiopica fruit being considered as a condiment in soup, local drinks, supplements or herbs preparations in areas where people have chances to Cd exposure, occupationally or environmentally.